The welding process chain: Reducing costs and improving quality

Topic of the month

EWM AG is as ever focussed on the complete welding process chain and in November presented a host of innovations with Multimatrix technology.

The top priorities in all development work are to offer the best possible welding solutions, reduce costs and sustainably improve customer competitiveness. Users had the chance to discover all innovations for themselves at live demonstrations at the Blechexpo and Schweisstec trade fairs.

"Multimatrix": The principle of perfection impresses in practice

Multimatrix technology from EWM means safe, practical and environmentally-friendly welding. All components are tailored to each other – and to providing maximum customer value. That is why EWM has the perfect solution for each individual user. Updates keep users up-to-date in terms of welding processes, software and operation.

Users report up to 60 per cent cost savings with Multimatrix technology in practice. Savings come from reductions in the energy and materials required, which in turn significantly reduce the time required for welding and bring major improvements in productivity.

With EWM welding equipment, users can deal with any welding challenge: All device-specific welding procedures for steel, CrNi and aluminium are always included in the all-in equipment price, so the full range of applications is covered.

The free EN 1090 WPQR package includes a wide range of practical welding procedures, and it replaces the procedure tests required for EN 1090 certification.

“forceArc puls“ – arc welding made easy

"forceArc puls"is an innovative new MIG/MAG welding procedure. Simple and easy operation make it the perfect introduction to arc welding. For high performance applications in particular, "forceArc puls" offers a whole range of benefits: Minimal follow-up work with the virtually spatter-free electric arc, reduced heat input, reliable gap bridging and faster welding.

The new Picomig Synergic 180 A-300 A series is designed for flexible use in both production and assembly. Alongside standard MIG/MAG welding, Picomig is also suitable for lift-arc TIG, manual metal arc and flux-cored arc welding and for gas-shielded arc brazing.

Picomig 305 D3 Synergic and Synergic puls can implement all relevant innovative welding processes so users can access the full range of applications. One great feature is the connection of remote controls and "MT" torches with an up/down function, which allows users to set the operating point and welding voltage correction at the workstation.

If the power needs to be adjusted to change the welding position or for a variable air gap, this is done on the torch itself. This feature is particularly useful for multi-pass welds: Root passes, filler passes and final passes require different, modified welding parameters. These can be selected on the torch – without going back to the welding machine.

Welding operating procedures can be generated quickly and easily and managed for various different workflows with WPS-Tool software. When WPS-Tool is used in combination with "ewm Xnet" quality management software, the data can be stored on the relevant welding machine with individual access rights for each user. This secures welding quality and helps with the management of welding work.

Welding ferromagnetic workpieces can be difficult, primarily because of their magnetic field. The "Degauss 600" degaussing power source removes a workpiece's magnetic field, and not only just before but also during the welding process. This effectively prevents workpiece magnetisation to allow high-quality weld seams on ferromagnetic materials.

EWM has a long tradition of close cooperation with universities, scientific institutes and welding teaching and research facilities. For many years now, the company has worked with a range of institutions to drive forward the development of pioneering arc welding solutions. With strong company investment in research and development, this area is a clear priority for EWM.

The IIW-Colloquium – International Exchange of Young Scientists

What does industry want from future research work? At the 5th IIW Welding Research & Collaboration Colloquium of the International Institute of Welding, representatives of the automotive, aerospace and wind power sectors outlined their specific needs in terms of scientific developments.

Discussions focussed on future welding applications in these segments and the resulting challenges for research. The conference, launched and sponsored by EWM, gave young researchers from Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Hungary, Australia, Brazil, China and India a unique platform for exchange and interaction.

Furthermore, delegates were also keen to see the current state of welding technology in practice at first hand, which is why EWM organised a visit to its own technology centre: